Education Programs
Naturalists at the Wilds have developed a number of programs to take advantage of our “living laboratory”. Programs are also designed to align with Ohio’s academic content standards, so they fit in easily with classroom curriculum.
When you plan a visit to the Wilds with your class or youth group (i.e, Day Venture, overnight camp, Safari Transport tour or other programs), we’ll give you the chance to choose from these curriculum-based education programs to supplement your learning adventure:
| Aquatic Ecology (chemical and physical testing) 1 hour – Grades 6 – 12 – All Seasons |
| Students’ will conduct chemical and physical analysis of a freshwater marsh, stream or lake to discover the important roles played by aquatic systems in the survival of plant and animal life on Earth. Inter-relationships and life requirements are stressed in this wet activity. You can choose quick test-tab analysis or chemistry titration techniques depending on the age of your class. Your students will learn about how we impact ecosystems and the benefits we derive from healthy waterways. This class pairs well with Stream Study and Pond Study. |
| Headgear (skulls, horns, and antlers) 1 hour -- Grades 4-12 – All Seasons |
| Students examine the skulls, horns and antlers of native wildlife and the captive herds of the Wilds. Students can learn about the structural diversity, function, and identification characteristics of ungulates, anatomy, taxonomy, field identification, wildlife diseases, and the clues to determining age of some wildlife. This brief program fits well between longer programs. |
| Ins and Outs (tooth types and dung) 1 hour -- Grades 4-12 – All Seasons |
| Learn “where the food goes” in this exciting program. From the unique diversity and function of different teeth and jaws that chew the food to the relationship between the foods the animal eats and its digestive track. You may even observe dung of some native and non-native animals that live at the Wilds. |
| Interpretive Hike (1 hour) 1 hour -- Grades 4-12 – All Seasons |
| Join our Conservation Educators on a Wilds walk-about through wetland, meadow or woodland habitats. Focus topics may include edible plants, animal homes, birding, tree ID, creative writing, and waterfall hike. Best choice for DayVentures. |
| Invasive Species Crafts 2 hour – Grades 4 – 8 – All Seasons |
| Here’s a chance for your class to make something from the wild. While collecting and constructing items from invasive plant species, your students will learn about native vs. alien plants, folklore, our use of natural resources here at the Wilds, and create a unique souvenir to bring home. |
| Pond Study 1 hour -- Grades 4-12 – All Seasons |
| This program is the “get in it” style of outdoor learning and is a favorite of groups. The animals, plants and microbes living in a stream are collected, studied and released. This biological study introduces participants to several aquatic sampling methods, data collection, field drawing, taxonomy, and the use of field guides and keys. Be prepared to get wet. This class pairs well with Aquatic Ecology. |
| Predator/ Prey Games 1 hour – Any Grade – All Seasons |
| Fun and physically active activities are essential for many of us to learn. At the Wilds we enjoy teaching subjects by playing them out. Many important biology concepts are addressed through games and activities during this energetic lesson. |
| Service Project 2 hour – Any Grade – All Seasons |
| Learn about careers in science as your help the Wilds advance conservation. Examples of service projects include trail maintenance, removing invasive species, seeding a prairie and planting trees. |
| Stream Study 1 hour -- Grades 4-12 – All Seasons |
| This program is the “get in it” style of outdoor learning and is a favorite of groups. The animals, plants and microbes living in a stream are collected, studied and released. This biological study introduces participants to several aquatic sampling methods, data collection, field drawing, taxonomy, and the use of field guides and keys. Be prepared to get wet. This class pairs well with Aquatic Ecology. |
| Wilderness Survival |
| What do you do when you are lost in the woods? This practical class on survival can equip your students to stay level headed in rough situations. Lessons emphasize calm reasoning while dealing with subjects of food, water, shelter and place. By practicing some of these techniques students can become more familiar with the outdoors and more confident with themselves. |
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| Extras |
| The following offerings do not counts as class blocks but can be added to any schedule. |
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| Contact us at 740-638-5030 ext 2286 or reservations@thewilds.org |